Philippine E-Journals

Responsible Journalism in Region IV-A Towards Issues on Extrajudicial Killings

Ma. Janelle Luisa Asinas | Andrew Naoi | Deynelle Jude Peñamora

 

Abstract:

Using a quantitative method, the study determined the significance of responsible journalism in delivering news about extrajudicial killings in the country; figured out the perceptions of the respondents on how the news and issues are being delivered; identified the most relevant and effective platform of journalism in the country; and determined the professional standard or techniques that could be used to appropriately deliver news about extrajudicial killings in the country. This study was anchored on Berlo’s Model of Communication which emphasized the four elements of communication, which are the source, message, channel and receiver. A survey with 69 fourth year AB Communication students of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba and The Knight Publication’s writers and staff was conducted. Also, the researchers interviewed five selected journalists based in CALABARZON. Results of the survey were analyzed by computing the percentages of the responses while a table for thematic analysis was made out of the interview with the journalists. The findings revealed that the respondents considered responsible journalism as highly significant in delivering true and reliable news, especially on issues of extrajudicial killings. They moderately agreed that in reporting them, it is proper to use actual footage; agreed that all platforms must be utilized in reporting them. Meanwhile, the respondents moderately agree that fake information started in social media. From regional journalists, the most relevant and effective platforms in delivering news about extrajudicial killings are television and radio; that social media has become an unreliable source of information; and that in dealing with data gathering about extrajudicial killing, a journalist must dig deeper, be very careful and utilize investigative style of journalism and A1 information technique. The researchers recommended that, regardless of all the risks, writers must pursue news coverage based on an assortment of models and morals, undergo careful validation to avoid fake information which spreads faster in social media, and must be fair and not biased. Student writers must take sensitive issues on a serious note, be careful in doing investigations, use reliable data as a reference and be mindful of fake news on all platforms.